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ANCHORAGE, Ak--The Iditarod has evolved into one of the most renowned dog sled races in the world. The race has seen a clash of dog mushing for 42 years, but for some fans, it's their very first time.

The state that stands alone was flushed with spectators saturday covering the whole street of 4th avenue. The audience consistedof fur covered admirers, dog mushing fans, but mostly, families.

"We were completely pumped up, we were able to get up very early this morning, able to come down and tried to get a good spot," Said Derrick Turner and his family.

With the mushers traveling over a thousand miles to the finish line, families were traveling just as far and more.

"Traveled all the way up from North Carolina, so we are excited to be here," Turner says.

And who could blame them with all the excitement that builds up?

"Just walking down here, the excitement built the sooner we got," Mrs. Turner says.

This is where traditions are born.

"Alaska in general is a family place, but this epitomizes it. It's the event in Anchorage where all the families come down, gather around and witness this national event, " Stephen Settle of the Settle family says.

Meet the settles. This too is their first Iditarod. And the anticipation is overwhelming.

"We are really excited, the kids are anxious to see the dogs, I have to admit I am too. I have never seen the dog sled race before, so this will be the first time," Settle says.

Competition is stiff, only one musher wins the prize. But it's the invaluable time you spend with your family that you can't put a price tag on.

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